More than 300 people turned out for the funeral service of Fort Valley State Rep. Tony Sellier Saturday.

The service began at St. Juliana's Catholic Church in Fort Valley at 3 p.m. and wrapped up around 4:20 p.m.

Sellier died Tuesday night after complications from surgery. He was 65.

"For the first two days my mind was mush. But I've gained strength from what I see here, and I'm inspired to take it with me now," says Sellier's youngest brother, Victor.

Among those who attended the funeral were several state representatives, including, Larry O'Neal, R-Warner Robins, Allen Peake, R-Macon and David Lucas, D-Macon.

"Both Democrats, Republicans, local elected officials, non-elected officials, just citizens, loved Tony because he was such a darn good guy," Peake said after the service.

O'Neal, a close friend of Sellier, served as a pallbearer.

The Rev. Nicholas Mansell spoke about Sellier's contributions to the community and said, "He was a man who gave so much."

Father Mansell called Sellier a loving father and husband and read a letter from their bishop thanking Sellier for his work with the church's migrant ministry.

Sellier's wife Judye says he loved his job as a state representative, those he worked with, and the people he served.

Sellier's daughter, Heather Lazenby, asked people to remember him as an excellent father.

"I just hope that, I guess, in simplest terms, that he's worn off on other people. That everyone he's met, he's left a little of himself behind, as he did with his family," says Lazenby.

At the request of the family, no cameras were allowed inside the church.

Sellier represented House District 136 for the past four years. The district includes Crawford County and parts of Bibb, Houston, Lamar, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties.

Flags at the Georgia state capitol and other state offices are flying at half-staff to honor Sellier. Gov. Sonny Perdue ordered both American and Georgia state flags to be lowered in remembrance of the state lawmaker.

Sellier was first elected in 2006.

Sellier moved to Fort Valley in 1975 with Blue Bird Corp., where
he served as manager of audit and special projects. Before retiring in 2006, he was corporate director of financial services.

Two separate visitations were held at the Byron Municipal Complex Friday.

Perdue's office said Friday that he may announce plans next week for a special election to fill Sellier's seat.